Title
Prostitution Solicitation Diversion Program
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with Catholic Charities Community Services, Inc. (Catholic Charities) to operate and administer the City's Prostitution Solicitation Diversion Program (PSD). The program is funded entirely through fees paid by program participants.
Report
Summary
Catholic Charities has been the provider of the City's PSD program since 2016. The PSD program provides a one-day educational opportunity to eligible offenders that are charged with a prostitution solicitation misdemeanor offense in the City of Phoenix. The program educates participants on the realities of prostitution, offering them an opportunity for rehabilitation while holding them responsible for their behavior. Participants engage in an eight-hour class that challenges them to analyze their thought process that contributed to supporting sexual exploitation and change their future behavior. The class addresses the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, prostitution laws, sexual addiction, the impact of prostitution on the community, and the effects of prostitution on those who are victims of exploitation.
Procurement Information
In April 2022, the City issued a Request for Proposals, RFP 22-LAW-001, to seek offers from outside organizations to operate and administer the City's Prostitution Diversion Program. One proposal was received. The proposal was reviewed by an evaluation panel that determined Catholic Charities proposal satisfies the requirements in the RFP.
Contract Term
The contract term will be three years, beginning on or about July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, with two, one-year options for renewal, which may be exercised by the City Manager or his designee.
Financial Impact
There is no annual expenditure of City funds because the program is fully funded by fees paid by program participants.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by City Manager Jeffrey Barton and the Law Department, City Prosecutor's Office.